Have you ever been around your dog and wondered what she is thinking or feeling? Surely you have caught your canine doing something bizarre that has made you question his mental status. Even the position that your dog sleeps in means something. Here are 50+ of the most common dog behaviors explained in human terms.

1) Puppy dog eyes

One of the most adorable things your dog does is give you those big puppy dog eyes. Though most people melt and reward this cuteness with a treat, this is your dog’s way of saying he loves and trusts you. (I’m sure he will appreciate the tasty morsel too!)

3) Squinting or blinking of the eyes

This means your pet wants attention and is ready to spend quality time with you. If you notice this behavior, check yourself. Have you been too busy to show her some love today? If so, make some time. It’s good for both of you!

5) Tongue out studying you

If you caught the opposite sex doing this to you, you might call the police. When a dog does this, it’s a sign they are relaxed, happy and mellow. This is usually their expression after getting the attention they crave!

6) Intense Eye Contact

Who doesn’t want to be the focus of a loved one’s attention? If you have a dog and he is making intense eye contact with you, he is focused on you and you alone. He is very alert to your expressions and what you want from him.

7) Open mouth with relaxed tail but high ears

If you catch your dog like this, it means she is neutral, relaxed and secure in her surroundings. If you are wondering when the best time to approach a strange dog is, it is when they are doing these things.

9) Loose floppy tongue

10) Baring teeth, ears back and snarling

This one is obvious; however, it never hurts to remind people what an angry, aggressive dog looks like. If you encounter this, your dog is feeling threatened and giving warning to the enemy. Do not approach a dog in this state. Even if he is angry at something else, you run the risk of being bitten.

12) Howling

Have you ever noticed dogs howl at the most annoying times? Usually when a dog hears a high-pitched sound, like a siren or train whistle, they howl back. It is unclear if this is because they are annoyed, or it is causing their ears discomfort.

14) Crazy Legs/Dead Bug

If your dog is sleeping with all his limbs sticking up in the air (resembling a dead bug) he is submissive and vulnerable. Not all dogs sleep like this, but if yours does he is a laid back independent pup that feels secure in his surroundings.

15) Side Sleepers

Dogs don’t usually sleep on their sides for long, but it is a typical napping position for them. Dogs who do this often have strong familial bonds and a lot of trust in their “pack.” She is probably a carefree happy dog.

16) Superman

When a dog is sprawled out and laying on his belly, he is probably an energetic animal that has finally crashed. Most often puppies sleep like this, it allows them to pop back up and resume play time when they awake!

17) Passed Out

When a dog is passed out completely, laying on her back with her limbs drooping across her body, there is a good chance she is overheating. This is the best way for her to lay to cool off. If both paws are draped across her chest, she is saying “leave me alone.” Dogs need their beauty sleep too!

18) Belly curl

A dog sleeping on his belly with his paws either underneath him or out to his sides is not getting good quality sleep. In this position dogs can’t reach REM sleep because their muscles cannot fully relax. Gentle, shy dogs usually sleep like this.

19) The Fox

When a dog’s paws are underneath her and her tail is wrapped around to her face, she is probably cold. This position allows her to keep as much heat in as possible. If you were to visit a wolf den (not recommended!) you would see them sleeping like this. If the dog is not cold, she could be apprehensive.

23) Post Dinner Cuddles

24) Licking

Some people allow their pet to lick their faces while others get grossed out if they even lick their hands. Either way, when a dog licks you he is being submissive. He is easing some of his stress and showing you love.

28) Kicking Their Feet After Pooping

After taking your dog out to do their “business,” you may have noticed that they kick up the grass and dirt behind them. Is it just strange dog behavior or is there an actual purpose? The reason might surprise you. Kicking their paws up in a backward motion is so much more than just wiping off a mess. Dogs have glands located in their paws that release unique pheromones; they often will rub or scratch their paws along the ground to release a “territorial scent.” This might explain why your dog might seemingly stop in their tracks to kick backward for a moment or two — they’re letting other dogs know that they’ve “claimed” the area. This type of behavior within canines is the way they establish a hierarchy and who is in charge within that territory. Much like urinating on objects in the area, releasing their pheromones through their paws lets other dogs know who’s boss. This behavior doesn’t only apply to the biggest or scariest dog — both Chihuahuas and German Shepherds alike perform this normal bathroom behavior. In fact, a previously dominant or alpha-dog may cease to scratch their paws on the ground if another dog has established a stronger presence. Another reason that dogs may engage in kicking up the dirt or grass after going potty may be the fact that they are literally trying to spread the scent of their “business” to more ground. Both male and female dogs engage in this type of behavior.

29) Butt Sniffing

We are going from the cute head tilt to the disgusting butt sniff. Why do they do this? A dog sniffing a butt is the equivalent of a human shaking a hand. They are saying, “Hi, it’s nice to meet you.” They are also trying to get to know the other dog or person they are sniffing.

30) Chasing their tail

You may laugh at your pup for chasing something he will likely not catch. More so, if he does catch it, it is going to be painful! Puppies do this because they do not realize the thing they are chasing is already theirs. Other dogs do this when they are in a confined space or feeling bored. Check you dog for fleas or have his anal glands checked if he does this regularly, it could be a sign of a problem.

32) Staying right by your side

Most of us find this dog habit annoying and an invasion of your personal space. You must remember your four-legged family member is innately a pack animal, and desires to be close to his “pack.” That’s you!

33) Couch Trashing

If you ever come home to a couch that has been completely ransacked, your pup has separation anxiety. Most dogs get over this eventually, but in the meantime, take the time to walk him and get some of his energy out before you leave him alone.

36) Showing empathy

Your dog knows when you are upset, and he most likely wants to comfort you. They have their own ways of doing so, but if you are upset and he is sitting near you watching you, licking you or resting his head on you he is letting you know he is there for you. Dogs can read our body language and they don’t like it when we are upset!

37) Eating grass

Every dog owner has wondered why dogs do this and if it is normal. The good news is, it is normal. The bad news is they are lacking a specific nutrient in their diet, trying to improve their digestion or maybe trying to treat intestinal worms (worst case scenario). If it is a hot day, they may just be dehydrated.

38) Eating feces

This one is very repulsive, but don’t worry he will survive! Dogs do this to keep their “territory” clean. They may eat their own, or other dog’s feces because they don’t want to poop where they eat. Mother dogs eat their puppies poo to keep them clean. Just because they won’t get sick does not mean you must let them do this!

39) Butt scoot

This one is funny until they are doing it on the carpet! If you see your dog dragging his behind across the ground, he may just have a dirty butt he is trying to clean. This could be an indication of worms or an anal gland problem so keep an eye on him.